National Security confirms detention of journalist

The chairman of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan says National Security officials have given him assurances of the safety of journalist Afendy Joseph.

He has been in detention for two weeks now.

UJOSS chairman Oliver Modi says he has spoken to the national security officials, who confirmed the arrest of Afendi Joseph.

Until his disappearance, the 27-year old was a reporter for Al-Tabeer Arabic daily newspaper, which the national security allegedly closed down on the 22nd of December 2015.

Mr Modi says the journalist is accused of publishing a critical article against the ruling party, the SPLM.

He said that UJOSS is following the matter closely.

“They told me: ‘Oliver, don’t worry about the life of this journalist of yours; he is okay and we’d like to assure you that he’s in a safe place,” Mr Modi told Eye Radio.

Mr Modi also called on the government to stop arresting journalists without warrants:

“We actually appeal to the security and government of the republic of South Sudan and even to the public of South Sudan that Journalists have the right to air their opinions but if that opinion actually happens to attack somebody, then that somebody has to go through the legal procedures.”

Mr Modi says the date of the release of Mr Afendi or for reopening the Al-Tabeer Arabic daily newspaper, is yet to be established.